The National Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Agency (BP REDD+) and 12 regents and mayors in Riau have signed a memorandum of understanding to implement the REDD+ program to prevent and curb forest and land fires. The agreement is to be effective for the next five years.

BP REDD+ head Heru Prasetyo said the MoU was part of a follow-up to various examples of teamwork carried out earlier in forest and land fire-fighting efforts and haze disasters in Riau.

“This year, Riau recorded an extraordinary and important moment in history, in that two presidents from different terms visited Riau to express the same intent to combat forest and land fires. BP REDD+ has received the mandate and task to continue the so-called sustainable forest and land development,” Heru said on Wednesday.

“One of the tasks is to reduce the risk of environmental damage. It is the definition of what we are working on together,” he added.

Meanwhile, Riau acting governor Arsyadjuliandi “Andi” Rachman said his administration set up a haze-free village program that involving residents and companies to tackle the forest and land fires. He said the program was initiated by Pelalawan regent M. Harris in cooperation with PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper.